Unattended Vending Machine Biometric User Identification System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Employing human attendants to manage transactions and product delivery from unattended vending machines is costly and inefficient, especially in large events or locations where maintaining staff is not feasible.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an unattended vending system that uses image recognition and biometrics to identify users, generate pre-authorization requests, and automatically grant access to products, allowing users to retrieve selected items without human intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If human attendants are employed to manage transactions and product delivery, then transaction management and product delivery can be handled personally, but operational costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction managementVSAvoidoperational costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service through automated image capture, user identification, product selection, and delivery mechanisms. The unattended vending machine autonomously completes transactions without human attendants, reducing operational costs while maintaining service functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of human attendants with an automated system using image capture devices, processing units, and automated delivery mechanisms. This substitution eliminates the need for human labor while achieving the same transaction management functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If human attendants are used to confirm transactions and deliver products, then customer service can be personalized, but the system complexity and staffing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct deliveryVSAvoidstaffing structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows customers to personally select and receive products through automated identification and delivery mechanisms, eliminating the need for staffed service while maintaining ease of product access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The automated system performs multiple functions including image capture, user identification, transaction processing, and product delivery through a single integrated platform, replacing the need for multiple specialized staff roles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If unattended vending machines are deployed without automated identification, then device simplicity is maintained, but transaction security and accuracy decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification systemVSAvoidtransaction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual identification methods with automated image capture and processing systems, enhancing transaction accuracy and security while maintaining relative device simplicity through standardized imaging technology

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If automated image recognition is implemented for user identification, then transaction efficiency is enhanced, but the extent of automation and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction efficiencyVSAvoididentification process

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual identification and transaction processing with automated image recognition and digital processing, significantly enhancing transaction efficiency through non-contact, rapid user verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses image copies (photographs) of users for identification purposes, allowing automated verification without requiring physical presence or traditional identification methods, thereby streamlining the transaction process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS11727404B2Systems and methods for use in network interactions

Publication Date: 2023.08.15 MASTERCARD INT INC

AI summary

Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of systems and methods for facilitating a transaction for the purchase of a product through an unattended vendor. One exemplary method includes capturing a facial image of a user and identifying the user based on the captured facial image. The method then includes compiling a pre-authorization request including credential associated with an account for the user and a first amount and, upon receipt of an approval of the request, manipulating a locking mechanism coupled to a container associated with the unattended vendor to permit access by the user to products included in the container. The method further includes capturing an image of a product removed from the container, identifying the product based on the image, and compiling an authorization request for purchase of the product based on the credential and a second amount associated with the price of the removed product.